CPT 70380: Parotid (Salivary Gland) X‑Ray for Sialolithiasis - OpenPayer

Summary & Overview

CPT 70380: Parotid (Salivary Gland) X‑Ray for Sialolithiasis

CPT code 70380 represents a diagnostic X-ray examination of the parotid (salivary) gland performed to identify sialolithiasis (salivary gland stones). This imaging code is used when radiographic evaluation is required to detect calcified salivary calculi or assess salivary gland anatomy prior to clinical intervention. The code matters nationally as an element of otolaryngology and oral/maxillofacial diagnostic workflows, affecting imaging utilization, coding accuracy, and claims processing for head and neck radiology.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical context for CPT code 70380, common sites of service, and the typical diagnostic purpose. The publication outlines expected documentation and coding focus areas, summarizes payer coverage patterns and benchmarks where available, and highlights relevant policy or payment considerations that influence billing and utilization. The content is intended to help coding professionals, radiology departments, and policy analysts understand where 70380 fits into diagnostic pathways and payer frameworks at a national level.

AetnaBlue Cross Blue ShieldCigna HealthUnitedHealthcareMedicare70380CPTradiologysalivary-glandparotidsialolithiasisdiagnostic-imaginghead-and-neck

Billing Code Overview

CPT code 70380 describes an X-ray examination of the parotid (salivary) gland to evaluate for sialolithiasis (salivary gland calculi). The service involves radiographic imaging focused on the parotid or related salivary structures to detect calcified stones or structural abnormalities.

Service type: Diagnostic radiology procedure focused on the salivary gland
Typical site of service: Imaging center, hospital radiology department, or outpatient clinic where plain radiography is performed

Data not available in the input.

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A patient presents to an outpatient radiology clinic or an otolaryngology (ENT) office with unilateral submandibular or parotid gland swelling, intermittent painful swelling associated with meals, or suspected obstructive sialolithiasis. The clinician performs a focused history and physical exam noting palpable fullness along the salivary duct, tenderness, and possible purulent discharge from the duct orifice. Diagnostic workup includes a targeted X‑ray examination of the salivary gland (sialography or plain radiographs concentrating on the parotid or submandibular glands) to identify radiopaque sialoliths or calcifications.

Workflow: The provider obtains informed consent, confirms absence of iodine allergy if contrast sialography is planned, and positions the patient for imaging. Radiologic technologists perform the 70380 X‑ray study of the parotid/salivary gland. The interpreting radiologist or ENT documents findings (presence, size, and location of calculi; ductal dilation; obstructive changes). Results guide next steps such as conservative management, sialendoscopy, stone retrieval, lithotripsy, or referral for surgical removal.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`11`	Primary service	When `70380` is the principal procedure on the claim for the encounter.

CPT 70120: Mastoid X‑ray, fewer than 3 views per side

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CPT 70545: Contrast Magnetic Resonance Angiography of Head Vessels

cpt-70546-magnetic-resonance-angiography-head-with-and-without-contrast

CPT 70546: Magnetic Resonance Angiography of Head, With and Without Contrast

cpt-70559-intraoperative-brain-mri-with-and-without-contrast

CPT 70559: Intraoperative Brain MRI With and Without Contrast

70548

CPT 70548: Magnetic Resonance Angiography of the Head with and without Contrast

cpt-70482-ct-orbit-sella-posterior-fossa-ear-with-and-without-contrast

CPT 70482: CT of Orbit, Sella/Posterior Fossa, or Ear With and Without Contrast

cpt-70100-mandible-x-ray-one-to-three-views

CPT 70100: Mandible X‑ray, One to Three Views

cpt-70030-eye-xray-foreign-body-evaluation

CPT 70030: Plain X‑ray of Eye for Foreign Body Evaluation

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CPT 70390: Parotid Gland Imaging Supervision and Interpretation

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CPT 70498: CT Angiography of Neck with Peripheral IV Contrast

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Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
`207RP0000X`	Otolaryngology (ENT)	ENT physicians commonly order and interpret salivary gland imaging and perform interventions.
`2085P0200X`	Diagnostic Radiology	Radiologists perform and interpret targeted salivary gland X‑rays and sialography.
`2080S0103X`	General Practice	Primary care may evaluate and refer patients for imaging when salivary obstruction is suspected.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`K11.6`	Sialolithiasis	Primary diagnosis indicating salivary gland calculi; direct indication for `70380` imaging.
`K11.7`	Disturbances of salivary secretion	Includes obstructive or inflammatory conditions prompting imaging to evaluate for stones or ductal obstruction.
`K11.3`	Chronic sialadenitis	Chronic salivary gland inflammation that may be caused by recurrent obstruction and for which imaging helps assess ductal changes.
`K11.2`	Abscess of salivary gland	Acute suppurative process where imaging can localize collections or associated calculi.
`R22.2`	Localized swelling, mass and lump, head/neck	Symptom code used when presenting complaint is focal head/neck swelling leading to salivary imaging.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`49455`	Sialoendoscopy, diagnostic, with or without minor instrumentation	Used when a radiographic diagnosis of salivary duct stone leads to endoscopic evaluation and potential retrieval.
`42415`	Removal of salivary gland calculus, via transoral approach	Surgical removal of stones identified on imaging when minimally invasive measures are not possible.
`76095`	Radiologic examination, salivary glands; sialography, unilateral or bilateral	Alternative or complementary radiologic study of salivary ducts; may be used depending on technique or payer coding policies.
`76942`	Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement (e.g., for aspiration)	Ultrasound guidance used if percutaneous aspiration or drainage is performed after imaging localization.
`70310`	Radiologic examination, temporomandibular joint, closed and open mouth views	May be performed if concurrent evaluation of mandibular structures is needed in differential diagnosis of facial swelling.

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